ZARA

CAPTAIN VEDRAN BANJEGLAV
With over 20 years at sea and more than 45,000 nautical miles sailed, Vedran brings exceptional expertise, passion, and local insight to every voyage. Holding a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and GMDSS certificates (commercially endorsed), he is also a Certified RYA Yachtmaster Cruising Instructor and a respected lecturer at the Adria Libar Maritime Training Center. A three-time Croatian national Formula 18 catamaran racing champion, he combines high-performance sailing skills with calm, confident leadership. He has skippered over 200 weeks across the Adriatic, Mediterranean, England, and the Caribbean, and played a key role in founding Croatia’s first skipper training academy. Equally comfortable on monohulls and multihulls, sail or motor yachts up to 200 GT, he is known for his ability to solve technical and electrical issues on board, ensuring both safety and peace of mind. His deep knowledge of the Adriatic coast includes hidden anchorages, charming ports, top marinas, and outstanding local restaurants—paired with a love for regional culture, history, and gastronomy. Communicative, open, creative, and proactive, he creates unforgettable experiences on and off the water, from sailing and diving to hiking, windsurfing, and unique land excursions. A responsible professional with a genuine love for the sea, he is dedicated to delivering safe, enjoyable, and truly memorable journeys.


STEWARDESS VERA CARLI
With over 12 years of experience in the maritime hospitality industry, Vera brings a strong background as a former charter agency housekeeper and administrator, combined with extensive onboard experience as a yacht stewardess.
For the past seven seasons, she has worked actively as a yacht hostess, most recently completing 16 consecutive weeks exclusively as a stewardess during the charter season. She has gained hands-on experience on sailing yachts and catamarans up to 50 ft, as well as on a 25-metre motor yacht, delivering high-standard guest service, provisioning, cooking, elegant food presentation, and assisting with mooring and anchoring procedures. During this period, Vera was also involved in fully equipping a yacht with inventory and preparing it for charter following its arrival from the shipyard. She takes pride in creating a welcoming, well-organised, and guest-focused onboard environment, with strong attention to detail and a natural ability to anticipate guest needs.